The Zág Institute, led by the Laklãnõ/Xokleng Indigenous people, is restoring the critically endangered Brazilian pine on their traditional territory in Santa Catarina. The reforestation project involves planting nearly 100,000 seedlings across 1,000 hectares, aiming to strengthen Indigenous identity and culture. The Brazilian pine is sacred to the Xokleng people, with its seeds serving as a vital food source and symbol of their heritage. The initiative seeks to reverse the decline of the species due to deforestation, urban expansion, and logging, while also addressing the endangerment of the Indigenous community and their culture. Carl and Isabel, along with the Zág Institute, have planted over 140,000 Brazilian pine seedlings in degraded areas and springs, involving the community and schools in their efforts. They aim to empower women through workshops and collective planting efforts, following Indigenous traditions and responsible harvesting practices. The project is funded by grants and donations, with plans to expand into activities like ethnotourism and agroforestry for financial sustainability and support of local initiatives. This long-term effort not only preserves the environment but also passes on a legacy to future generations, strengthening food sovereignty and educating younger generations about the importance of ancestral knowledge and caring for nature.
Author: News.mongabay
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In southern India, beekeeping helps Indigenous women earn more
The Women for Bees project in India's Western Ghats, launched by UNESCO in partnership with the Keystone Foundation, empowers Indigenous women through managed beekeeping with the native Asian honey bee. This initiative provides a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional wild honey hunting, leading to immediate economic impacts such as financial independence and improved livelihoods for participants. Studies have shown that pollination by Asian honey bees can enhance crop yields, while ecological benefits like improved flowering in surrounding fruit farms have been observed. The project has fostered community support and knowledge sharing among participants, with plans to expand to other biosphere reserves in the future.
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Scientific & traditional knowledge are key for effective & community-centered conservation (commentary)
Women from the Indigenous community of Kibber in Spiti Valley, India, and a village in the Himalayas have played key roles in monitoring and protecting snow leopards, combining traditional knowledge with scientific skills. These community-led conservation efforts have led to the end of retaliatory killings of snow leopards and wolves, and the establishment of livestock-free reserves to increase prey populations. Scientific research has influenced conservation policy, placing communities at the center of national strategies and leading to the establishment of community-managed reserves like the Tost Nature Reserve in Mongolia. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of integrating scientific and traditional knowledge, community engagement, and collaboration between communities, scientists, and conservation practitioners in effective and sustainable nature conservation.
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Why Africa should link nutritional data with fisheries management (commentary)
The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya highlighted the need for countries to manage aquatic foods for people's nutrition, not just for production and trade. A new op-ed argues that African countries should focus on managing fisheries for the nutritional benefits it provides to their people. Fishers in Timor-Leste have been logging their trips and recording data on the gear used, habitats visited, and catch brought home to better understand how small-scale fishing nourishes people. The value of a catch should not just be measured in kilos, but also in the nutrients it provides to local diets. This shift in focus is crucial for inclusive development and social impact in fisheries management. Small-scale fisheries play a crucial role in delivering key micronutrients to 2.3 billion people globally. It is essential to rethink food systems investments and ensure that development institutions are investing enough in this valuable nutritional resource. By managing fisheries not only for production but also for the nutritional benefits they provide, Africa can harness its oceans for greater social impact and inclusive development. Essam Yassin Mohammed, director general of WorldFish, leads efforts to advance research and innovation in aquatic food systems to promote sustainable fisheries management.
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The growing global popularity of wildlife crossings
Wildlife crossings have become a global movement with bipartisan support and public backing, proving to be highly effective in restoring genetic connectivity for animals and preventing dangerous vehicle collisions. States across the U.S. are increasingly investing in wildlife crossings, with efforts to secure more funding for these crucial conservation measures. Innovative solutions like canopy crossings and elevated highways are being explored to protect wildlife and promote cohabitation with animals. The public sentiment towards wildlife crossings has evolved positively, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging humans as part of nature and being responsible for protecting wildlife populations. Overall, wildlife crossings are seen as a win-win solution, benefiting public safety, saving money, and conserving wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship with nature.
https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2026/07/the-growing-global-popularity-of-wildlife-crossings/
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The blueprint for building a fairer world without breaking the planet
A group of researchers have devised a plan for achieving ecological sustainability within planetary boundaries by 2100, while increasing incomes for 98% of the global population and reducing working hours. The plan, outlined in the Global Justice Report, focuses on decarbonization, sufficiency, and reducing inequality. Tools include a global wealth tax, world sovereign fund, international currency, and global justice fund. Coalition building among nations willing to adopt these measures is seen as key to achieving the plan and ensuring a livable planet for future generations.
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Conservation efforts by families displaced for national park sees success in DRC
Descendants of families displaced by Maiko National Park in the DRC are now spearheading community-led conservation efforts in the Bamasobha Local Community Forest Concession. Through monitoring illegal activities, promoting sustainable resource management, and fostering coexistence with the forest, they have successfully reduced forest loss in the concession. This shift towards inclusive forest management is part of a growing trend of community forest concessions in the DRC, providing Indigenous communities with a crucial alternative for preserving forest resources.
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Australia establishes the first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area
The Karajarri people of Kimberley in northwestern Australia have established Australia's first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area, acknowledging their deep connection to the land and sea. This new protected area, rich in biodiversity, is crucial for maintaining the health of both people and ecosystems. Building on three decades of legal and political efforts, Australia's Indigenous Protected Areas are now playing a key role in the country's goal to protect 30% of its territory by 2030.
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Tony Parkes, the banker who replanted a rainforest
Tony Parkes dedicated three decades to restoring the Big Scrub rainforest in northern New South Wales, planting tens of thousands of trees and uniting various stakeholders in rainforest recovery efforts. The Big Scrub, once covering 75,000 hectares, had dwindled to just one percent remaining due to clearing and cattle grazing. Parkes' leadership in the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy helped protect remnants, plant millions of trees, and make rainforest restoration a key part of the region's civic life. His approach involved bringing together landholders, scientists, donors, and volunteers to work towards a disciplined model of rainforest recovery. Parkes emphasized evidence-based conservation, genetic diversity, and resilience to climate change, leading to significant progress in restoring the landscape and preserving biodiversity.
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/tony-parkes-the-banker-who-replanted-a-rainforest/
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In Thailand, EUDR pressure on small-scale rubber farmers prompts private-sector assistance
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is putting pressure on small-scale rubber farmers in Thailand to prove their products are deforestation-free in order to continue supplying European markets. Private intermediary firms like Agriac are helping farmers comply through tech-based traceability platforms such as Traztru. The EUDR aims to reduce deforestation risks and promote sustainability in the rubber industry, with a focus on collaboration across the supply chain and investment in small-scale producers. Efforts to engage more farmers and ensure compliance with EUDR standards will require collective responsibility and a shift towards sustainable practices. Crop diversification in rubber agroforestry plantations and promoting biodiversity-friendly approaches are key strategies to transform the rubber industry supply chain in time for upcoming regulations.